Overview
- Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon officiated the morning ceremony at the downtown clerk’s office at 69 W. Washington St.
- Officials said the pair were notified as winners after the initially selected couple withdrew from the lottery.
- The event marks the first time a lesbian couple has won the county’s first-of-year marriage license tradition.
- As part of the prize package, the newlyweds received a Ritz-Carlton stay, a Cooper’s Hawk wine basket, Whittingham Meats dinner items, an Eli’s Cheesecake gift card, lessons, flowers, and comedy tickets from Chicago partners.
- Melissa Nunez and Elizabeth Branske met on a dating app, got engaged in September, and plan a larger reception and later honeymoon as they work toward growing their family.